So that is it, the famous tumbleweed Christmas tree.  This is it’s 55th year lighting Chandler’s downtown, but our first as a family to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season by being there in person when it was lit.  Being long time residents of Chandler, I thought it was about time that we participated in the festivities.  Marc had been as a child but we have neglected our own with this great City of Chandler Christmas tradition.  Boy, did we choose the year to attend.  It was extremely cold and VERY rainy.  We were pretty drenched by the end of the evening, but somehow, we didn’t let that spoil the fun (even though the children tried their best).  Amongst the complaints of being cold and wet, Marc and I kept reminding them that soon enough they would be home in their dry, warm beds and all would be well.  Needless to say as soon as the tree lit up, Marc snapped the above photo and we were outta there!

The evening began with a trip to Santa’s house and our annual picture with Santa.  Audrey was a good sport and held Sophia to keep her comforted (I couldn’t let the fact that she is almost 12 spoil the tradition of ALL our children being in the photo).  It was especially sad since we are beyond the years of crying babies in Santa’s lap.  I really don’t know why I would make the trip all the way to the mall every year since this is right downtown and FREE!  They gave us a copy of the picture and even let us take our own shots.  YAY for the Chandler Lion’s Club who sponsor this event.

After our trip to see Santa we meandered through the crowds, local entertainment, and vendors.  We tried to keep warm with hot chocolate and waited for the parade to begin.  The kids’ elementary schools’ Dad’s club always has a float.  It was fun waiting to see it and cheering for our Sanborn Suns!  During the parade is when the rain began, Marc and I even thought we saw a few small snow flurries.  I’m serious- it was COLD!  The rain eased up a little before the big downpour toward the end of the parade.  The crown thinned out quickly and we were amongst the few crazy people to wait in the cold, cold, rain for the lighting of the Christmas tree. 

It was a fun family night though we were happy to return to our home where it was warm-ish and dry.